How Jimmy Graham's Twitter Bio Could Cost Him $5M

Unable to reach a long-term contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, superstar Jimmy Graham is at an identity-crisis crossroads. The Saints are keen on slapping Graham with the franchise tag, which would lock him in to a one-year contract worth maximum dollar value for his position. But whether the massive pass-catcher should be considered a tight end or a wide receiver is a big determinant in how he will be paid in 2014.

Twitter

In the grievance hearing that commenced Tuesday, one interesting takeaway dealt with how Graham's Twitter biography may play a role in determining his ultimate position.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport outlined the arguments presented by Graham and the NFLPA—and apparently, the way Graham identifies himself on social media could be a deal-breaker for the NFL:

Along with minicamp starting, today is Jimmy Graham’s system arbitration, barring compromise. Will he be tagged as a WR ($12M) or TE ($7M).

Based on Burbank's history with New Orleans, it seems as though an objective outcome can be expected. Framing evidence against Graham and using the way he presents himself as a tight end on such a public platform could create a compelling case in the NFL's favor, though.

If the grievance goes against Graham and the Twitter biography plays a significant role, players are bound to be even more cautious on social media. It will be interesting to see if Graham changes his description, too.

Graham certainly isn't the typical tight end, though that's the position New Orleans lists him as. The 2010 third-round pick (95th overall) has been a revelation in coach Sean Payton's offense, giving franchise quarterback Drew Brees a dynamic big threat to target frequently.

The fact that Graham splits out wide so often is a function of how Payton uses him. The Saints deploy an exotic, multifaceted system that calls on players to be versatile. That's no exception when it comes to Graham, but he does have a point in exploring this avenue for a higher salary.

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis is more of a blocking asset in his team's power rushing attack. However, he is also a dangerous receiving threat (had 13 TD catches in 2013), and believes Graham is worthy of the money, per Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post:

I think Jimmy Graham is trying to make an informed decision as far as his contract. He believes that he deserves more, and I believe that he deserves more. He's just a wonderful presence. He's a great player. He has a lot of potential to go above and beyond and just go further. He is one of those guys that is a part of that tight end position that are changing the game -- Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, [Rob] Gronkowski. Those guys are some fantastic players. If it was me, if I was the owner of the team, I would give the kid everything he wants because he's that.

Rusty Costanza/Associated Press

This past season, Graham caught 86 passes for 1,215 yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns. Those numbers are generally reserved for a No. 1 wide receiver, but the way Graham is dominating from his position is changing the paradigm by which tight ends may be viewed in the future.

How do you feel about Jimmy Graham's grievance situation?

He's right to pursue it. He's basically a wide receiver and should be paid as one.He is listed as a tight end and considers himself one, so he should be paid as one.This is pointless. He will get paid a ton of money at some point regardless. Other, comment below.Submit Votevote to see results

How do you feel about Jimmy Graham's grievance situation?

He's right to pursue it. He's basically a wide receiver and should be paid as one.

37.2%

He is listed as a tight end and considers himself one, so he should be paid as one.

25.2%

This is pointless. He will get paid a ton of money at some point regardless.

36.2%

Other, comment below.

1.3%

Total votes: 27,108

Offenses have become more reliant on the pass overall, so this modern era may foster some similar contract spats. Graham's case will go a long way in establishing precedent, and if he succeeds, other tight ends heavily used as receivers will likely try their hands at this chance to add cash.

Graham is an athletic marvel, plays with an elite QB in Brees and has a genius play-caller in Payton as the offensive maestro. Opting out of minicamp may be detrimental in some instances, but the Saints thankfully have the stability for Graham to chase after this possibility. Therefore, it shouldn't have much of a negative impact overall, if any, on the team and its preparations.

But should this situation drag on, there's a chance that Graham could be perceived as greedy, fairly or not. The longer he's away from his teammates, the greater the risk is of alienation. Considering how classy and productive Graham has been in his young career, he won't have anything to worry about as long as he continues to thrive in New Orleans.